Which Airport Should You Fly Into?
Most international visitors fly into Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM), while Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi and Goa serve other regions. Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express and many foreign airlines connect India with the Gulf, Europe, North America and Asia. Choose your arrival airport after you confirm it is on the e-Visa list.
Last checked: November 2026
Before you plan a route, read the safety notice at the top of the India travel guide, and confirm entry rules in the India visa guide. This page covers arriving by air. For domestic flights, trains and city transport, see getting around India.
Main International Airports in India
| Airport | Best for | Getting into the city |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi, Indira Gandhi International (DEL) | Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Rajasthan, the north | The Airport Express metro line reaches New Delhi station in about 20 minutes. Prepaid taxis and ride-hailing apps also run from arrivals. |
| Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (BOM) | Mumbai, Goa, western India | Use the prepaid taxi counter or a ride-hailing app. Traffic can be slow at rush hour, so allow extra time. |
| Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD) | Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and the wider south | Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs run from arrivals at each airport. |
| Kolkata (CCU) | Eastern India and Darjeeling | Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs serve the city. |
| Kochi (COK), Trivandrum (TRV) | Kerala | Taxis and app-based cabs run to the cities and backwater towns. |
| Goa, Dabolim (GOI) and Mopa (GOX) | Goa beaches | Two airports serve Goa, so check which one your flight uses and how far it is from your hotel. |
Two newer airports are also open. Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) began commercial flights on 25 December 2025, and Air India Express started the first international service from it, to Abu Dhabi, on 15 July 2026. It is roughly 35 km from the main Mumbai airport. Noida International Airport (DXN) near Delhi began commercial flights in June 2026. Check that your airline, routes and e-Visa arrival point all match before you book into either airport.
Ahmedabad (AMD), Jaipur (JAI) and Amritsar (ATQ) also receive international flights from some hubs, mainly in the Gulf. The Airports Authority of India publishes airport information.
Airlines and Typical Routes
Indian carriers on international routes include Air India, which now includes the former Vistara network, IndiGo and Air India Express. Gulf airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad link many cities worldwide through Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, and European and Asian airlines fly to Delhi, Mumbai and other hubs. Check each airline’s own timetable, because routes change by season.
Flight times depend on routing. As a rough guide, the Gulf is about three to four hours from major Indian cities, and nonstop flights from London to Delhi take roughly nine hours. Connecting itineraries are longer, so compare total journey time as well as price.
Time Zone and Jet Lag
India uses Indian Standard Time, UTC+5:30, all year with no daylight saving. Dubai is 1 hour 30 minutes behind India. London is 5 hours 30 minutes behind in winter and 4 hours 30 minutes behind in summer. New York is 10 hours 30 minutes behind in winter and 9 hours 30 minutes behind in summer.
How to Find a Better Fare
- Compare several airlines and booking sites, and check baggage allowances and what the fare includes.
- Peak season runs from October to March, with the highest fares around Diwali, Christmas and New Year. Shoulder months often cost less.
- For peak dates, book two to three months ahead.
- Consider an open-jaw ticket, such as arriving in Delhi and leaving from Mumbai or Kochi, to avoid a long backtrack.
- Choose fares that allow changes or refunds until your visa is approved.
- Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport.
What to Expect at the Airport
- Arrival: immigration queues can be long at peak times in Delhi and Mumbai, so keep a buffer before any onward flight.
- Departure: aim to reach the airport about three hours before an international flight.
- Winter fog: from December to January, fog in the north can delay flights, so avoid very tight connections.
- SIM cards: buying a local SIM needs paperwork, so many visitors choose a travel eSIM.
Before You Fly: Checklist
- Hold a valid visa or OCI card.
- Check your passport is valid for at least six months from arrival, with two blank pages.
- Complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival.
- Complete the Air Suvidha health self-declaration, which is mandatory for all international arrivals.
- Buy travel insurance that covers medical care and delays.
- Save your hotel address and a printed copy of your documents.
Flight Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
Flights to India FAQs
Which airport is best for a first trip to India?
Delhi (DEL) suits most first trips because it is the main hub and starts the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Mumbai (BOM) suits western India and Goa, and Kochi suits Kerala. Pick the airport that matches your route and confirm it is on the e-Visa list.
How early should I book flights to India?
For the peak months from October to March, book two to three months ahead, and earlier for Diwali, Christmas and New Year. Look for fares that allow changes or refunds, and do not buy non-refundable tickets before your visa is approved.
Do I need a return ticket to enter India?
Officers can ask for a return or onward ticket, and airlines may check it at check-in. Keep a booking that shows departure within your visa validity. Entry rules can change, so confirm them on the official visa portal before you travel.
